Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs
Women In Nature
11th Annual
Outdoor Skills Workshop
April 29, 2017
Camillus Sportsmen’s Club
5801 Devoe Rd, Camillus, NY 13031
REGISTRATION PACKET
Women In Nature (WIN) is a program of the Onondaga County Federation of
Sportsmen's Clubs (OCFSC). OCFSC's membership includes various hunting and
fishing clubs, shooting sports groups, and local chapters of non-profit conservation
organizations in Onondaga County and surrounding areas. OCFSC provides
legislative representation, conservation education, public relations, and recreational
information of particular interest to the sportsmen and sportswomen of Onondaga
County. For more information visit our website: www.federationofsportsmen.com.
WIN’s Mission is to:
1) Encourage women to enjoy the great outdoors through our annual Outdoor
Skills Workshop as well as shooting, hunting, and fishing seminars and
recreational outings.
2) Promote membership in the local conservation organizations that are
members of the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs.
The WIN Outdoor Skills Workshop is an annual all-day workshop designed to give
women a taste of many outdoor activities through its introductory classes in a
comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere. We provide resources and “satellite”
workshops during the year to encourage continuation of these activities. To receive
notices of WIN events and & related activities visit our web site at
http://www.federationofsportsmen.com/wp/?page_id=32.
Women in Nature
Outdoor Skills Workshop April 29, 2017
page 1
Registration Instructions – Please read carefully
To apply to register for the OCFSC Women in Nature 11th Annual Outdoor Skills Workshop:
1. Read all Instructions (page 1-2) and Class Descriptions (page 3-4).
2. Completely fill out one Registration Application form per person (page 5). Be sure to include area code
with your telephone number. Minors and their accompanying, participating, adult need to fill in
separate registration applications with the exact same class preferences listed, and the accompanying
adult’s name should be listed on the child’s Registration Application. Indicate t-shirt size on each
application.
3. In order for us to make class placements fairly, please choose 8 different classes that you are interested
in on the Registration Application form. Out of your eight preferences, four will be assigned to you.
We will do our best to put you in your top choice classes. Applicants who do not send complete forms
will be asked for the missing information. The delay will result in their application being put further
down on the acceptance list.
4. Review class descriptions carefully, and make note whether your chosen classes have specific
requirements, such as a fishing license, to participate.
5. Firearms will be present on-site, therefore we require that ALL Outdoor Skills Workshop participants
read and sign the Firearms Policy Waiver and Agreement (page 6). For minors, parents/legal guardians
must sign the Youth Permission to Handle and Shoot Firearms form (page 7).
6. Return completed forms (pages 5, 6 and 7) either by mail or attached to an email. We are NOT
accepting on-site registrations.

Mailing address: Women in Nature, P.O. Box 163, Manlius NY 13104-9998.

Email address: [email protected]
All Registration Applications MUST be postmarked or emailed by February 28.
Space is limited - Registration Application forms received after we reach full capacity will be placed on our
Waiting List. Apply early to improve your chances of getting in. Priority will be given to first-time
participants. Repeat participants will likely NOT be accepted unless they bring a first-time participant and
indicate the name of new participant on their application form.
Groups. If you are coming with a group, please apply early, AND INDICATE THE NAMES OF YOUR GROUP’S
MEMBERS ON THE FRONT OF EACH OF YOUR APPLICATIONS. We suggest you mail or email your forms
together. We cannot guarantee same class placement for all members of your group. Minors will be assigned to
the same classes as their accompanying adult.
Notification. If your application is accepted, you will receive a confirmation email (or phone call if you don’t have
email) with additional details about the day. If you cannot make it, please cancel ASAP by calling Cheryl Matt at
315-420-9210 or emailing [email protected] so that a woman on the waiting list can take your
spot.
Information and FAQ
COST: All instruction, services, equipment, food and supplies are donated, which allows us to offer this workshop
FREE of charge. (See SPONSORS below and in the printed program.)
MINORS: Minimum age to participate in this workshop is 12 years old. Participants ages 12 to 17 MUST be
accompanied by an adult at all times. Certain courses may have specific requirements for participation by
minors, so please read course descriptions carefully, as well as the Participation Release statement on the
registration form. The WIN Firearms Policy (page 6) and Youth Permission to Handle and Shoot Firearms (page
7) form should also be signed ahead of time by parents/legal guardians and mailed in with the Registration
Applications. (See “INSTRUCTIONS” section above). Please submit Registration Applications from adults and
minors together.
CHOOSING CLASSES: Class descriptions are listed on pages 3-4 of this registration packet. Keep in mind that all
Women in Nature
Outdoor Skills Workshop April 29, 2017
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classes are geared toward beginners. There will be four class sessions during the day, two in the morning and
two in the afternoon. Not all classes will be offered at all sessions, and some classes are offered as a double
session. Some courses require licenses (fishing). Please read Class Descriptions carefully, and understand the
requirements. Class content, instructors and schedule are subject to change prior to the day of the event.
Scheduling is done after we reach full capacity. We will have your schedule at check-in but not before.
CHECK- IN: Please arrive at the Camillus Sportmen’s Club in time to check-in between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on
Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Driving Directions & Map on page 8-9). At check-in, each participant will be given a
program including a schedule of their classes and other events, a site map, and a complimentary t-shirt. Bring
with you any State licenses required for your class (see class descriptions) and present them at check-in.
Because we have firearms on-site, for safety reasons, all participants must sign acknowledgement of our firearms
policy (see page 6-7) regardless of participation in shooting activities. This form must be submitted with
registration forms.
FOOD: Food and beverages are provided free of charge. A small, continental breakfast will be available in the
morning before classes begin, and lunch will be provided at midday. WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE
SPECIAL DIETS, I.E. VEGETARIAN, GLUTEN-FREE, ETC. You may bring your own prepared lunch, snacks
and non-alcoholic beverages. Water, coffee, tea, and cocoa will be available throughout the day. We highly
recommend that you bring water in a refillable bottle. We will also have some re-useable water bottles for sale
and a drinking-water source.
THIS IS A NON-SMOKING EVENT.
INCLEMENT WEATHER: This event will take place in rain, snow or shine. This is an outdoor experience;
participants should come prepared for the elements. Bring comfortable, sturdy weatherproof footwear (not
sandals), dress in layers, bring sunscreen, insect repellant and rain or cold-weather outerwear. If taking a
boating class, bring a complete change of clothing and footwear because you may get wet. Bare feet or sandals
are not allowed. The facility does have a heated building for meals and break times.
PHOTOGRAPHS AND LIABILITY: We ask that you read thoroughly and sign the release section of the
Registration Application (page 5). Participating minors must have their parent/legal guardian sign the
form. If minors are to be accompanied by an adult that is not their legal guardian, please download and print
the forms and have them signed by the parent or legal guardian ahead of time.
GETTING THERE: Directions and a map to the Camillus Sportsmen’s Club can be found on pages 8-9 of this
Registration Packet. The location address is 5801 Devoe Rd, Camillus, NY 13031. We encourage you to carpool
if attending with others. If you require Disability Parking access, please notify the parking attendant upon
arrival.
RAFFLES: We will be selling raffle tickets to benefit the John & Irma Handov Memorial Scholarship for college
students enrolled in an environmental conservation curriculum. Prizes may include hunting and fishing trips,
club memberships, various outdoor recreation equipment and related items. For scholarship information, visit
the web site for the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs at www.federationofsportsmen.com.
We encourage you to bring some cash to support this worthy cause.
SPONSORS: This Women in Nature event is made possible by the support of the Onondaga County Federation of
Sportsmen’s Clubs and its members, various non-profit groups, local retail businesses, and individuals. If you
(or your place of business or organization) wish to donate to our event or place an advertisement in
our event day program, please contact Ed Pugliese at [email protected] or call 315-263-6699. Donations
and advertising support the WIN program and the raffle. A complete list of sponsors will be printed in our
event day program. Major sponsors are listed on the t-shirt as well. We ask that you consider patronizing our
sponsor businesses and consider membership in any of the Federation clubs.
QUESTIONS? Email [email protected]
Women in Nature
Outdoor Skills Workshop April 29, 2017
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Class Descriptions
1)
Ax Throwing – This ancient woodsman’s skill is fun! Learn proper techniques for throwing an ax at a wooden
butt. Hand-eye coordination, strength and upper body coordination are developed in this unique skill. Axes
will be provided.
2)
Beginning Archery - Learn about the different types of archery equipment, bow and arrow terminology,
safety, and proper shooting form. Participants will have the opportunity to shoot with equipment provided.
3)
Birding Basics - Open your eyes to the world of birds. This course will take you through basic bird-watching
skills such as bird silhouette and field mark identification, identifying the “usual suspects” through sight and
sound, and how to use binoculars and a spotting scope. If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
4)
Black Powder – Interested in firearms history and tradition? This historic firearm is still used today, and
even has its own hunting season. It is easy to learn how to load and fire. Equipment will be provided. A
Firearms Policy waiver and agreement and, if applicable, a Youth Permission to Handle and Shoot form, are
included (pages 6-7) in this registration packet for signatures before the event date. Be sure to mail-in signed
forms with your registration.
5)
Campfire Cooking - Campfires aren't just for roasting marshmallows! Learn to bake, boil, sauté, grill and stew
a variety of tasty treats over a campfire. This course will include tips on types of fire lays that are best for
cooking as well as some tips on cookware and tools.
6)
Crossbow Basics - Planning for hunting or just target shooting? Join us for the opportunity to learn how to fit
a crossbow, care for your bow, and safely see how easy it is to shoot and hit your target!
7)
Deer Hunting - A deer-hunting expert shares her techniques to help you learn to harvest your first deer. You
will learn about choosing a firearm, tracking and deer sign. It will get you started in hunting.
8)
Fishing 101 (DOUBLE SESSION) - Participants will learn about basic freshwater fishing techniques and gear
that will help them become skilled anglers. Topics will include tackle basics, knot tying, spin-casting, baitcasting, NY State fishing regulations, safety on the water, and much more. You will have time to try your new
skills on the water.
9)
Fly-Fishing – (DOUBLE SESSION) Learn how to fly cast, how to choose the necessary gear to be able to safely
and comfortably fly-fish the rivers and streams of Central New York. Each participant will be given artificial
flies to try out their new fly-rod casting skills on the water.
10) Gun Cleaning – A clean gun is fundamental to its safe and accurate use. Learn how to maintain a shotgun or
rifle. Demonstration guns will be provided.
11) Introduction to Firearms - Have you ever wanted to know more about firearms but had no one to ask? In
this class, we will discuss what to do and not do around firearms, types of firearms and their uses, storage,
cleaning and safe handling. Although there will be no firing of guns in this class, it will be a hands-on safety
awareness experience.
12) Kayaking Skills – Learn basic paddling strokes, how to maneuver a canoe, and important boating safety rules.
You may get wet! Wear an old pair of sneakers or thick-soled neoprene water booties and bring a complete
change of clothes & footwear. You must be able to swim.
Women in Nature
Outdoor Skills Workshop April 29, 2017
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13) Map and Compass – Don’t get lost! Learn the basic skills for navigating in the wilderness without a GPS.
Maps and compasses will be provided.
14) Nature Journaling – Nature journaling is a combination of capturing images found in nature and writing
about the observations made in the field. You will learn basic drawing skills, the use of watercolors, colored
pencils, photography, and the important elements of nature journaling. You will go on a nature walk to get you
started on your own personal nature journal. Blank journals will be provided.
15) Nature Photography – Learn basic techniques for capturing strong photographs in the outdoors.
Composition, natural light, and equipment will be discussed. Bring your camera, and a tripod if you have one.
16) Outdoor First Aid – Planning on going hiking or camping in the wilderness? How would you handle
emergency situations when help is not close by? Receive hands-on first aid awareness training and learn how
to deal with the most common injuries.
17) Reptiles & Amphibians of New York - Learn how to identify and find local reptile and amphibian species
(Salamanders, Turtles and Snakes - Oh my!) in this interactive class. We will discuss their life histories and
local conservation status as we look for signs of them on site. If you think these creatures are gross, now is
your chance to learn how cool and important they really are!
18) Rifle Shooting - Learn the art of stationary firing and the thrill of that first bulls-eye! Our course instructor
brings years of experience and knowledge to this program. You’ll learn from the best! Firearms safety, range
rules, holding, aiming and firing positions will be covered in this course. A Firearms Policy waiver and
agreement and, if applicable, a Youth Permission to Handle and Shoot form, are included (pages 6-7) in this
registration packet for signatures before the event date. Be sure to mail-in signed forms with your
registration.
19) Shotgun Shooting –You have more in common with our WIN shooting instructors than you think! They were
all new shooters before they started their shooting careers. This is a great opportunity for first-timers to get
instruction from an experienced team of shooters. Firearms safety, shooting fundamentals, and a great
experience await! A Firearms Policy waiver and agreement and, if applicable, a Youth Permission to Handle and
Shoot form, are included (pages 6-7) in this registration packet for signatures before the event date. Mail-in
signed forms with your registration.
20) Turkey Hunting Skills – A turkey-hunting expert shares her techniques to help you bag your first turkey this
year. You will learn how to choose the right equipment for taking New York’s largest game bird. Experience
different types of calls and look at various decoys, talk about clothing choices, go over the special regulations
and, most importantly, learn how to hunt turkeys safely.
21) Wild Game Cooking - Cooking wild game should not be different than cooking any other meal. With the
correct handling and preparation, wild game can make an exceptional and easy meal. This hands-on session
will cover some of the basics of what to do with your harvest from the field to the dinner plate. Participants
will help prepare and sample the food.
Women in Nature
Outdoor Skills Workshop April 29, 2017
page 5
REGISTRATION APPLICATION
Mail Registration Application (pg 5,) Firearms Policy (ALL participants; pg 6), and Youth Permission to Shoot Form (minors only;
pg 7) to: Women In Nature, PO Box 163, Manlius NY 13104-9998. OR, Email to: [email protected]
All forms MUST be postmarked/emailed by February 28, 2017. On-site registration will NOT be accepted. Incomplete forms
will delay registration. Read All Instructions on pages 1-2 before filling out this form.
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY!
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
NAME ___________________________________________________________________
Postmark Date: ______
PHONE (include area code): DAY (_____) ______________ _____ EVE (_____) ______________ _____
Date Rec’d: _______
STREET ADDRESS or PO BOX ________________________________________________
CITY, STATE and ZIP CODE ______________________________________________________________________
PLEASE WRITE
CLEARLY !
EMAIL
We do not sell our mailing lists. All group e-addressee email correspondence from us is normally done under the “blind copy” window so that no
one else can read your email address.
UNDER AGE 18 
18 or OLDER 
(All participants must be at least 12 years of age)
If under 18 yrs old, name of accompanying adult: _________________________________________________
CLASS CHOICES: Please read “Choosing Classes” on Pages 1-2 of this packet. After carefully reading the Class Descriptions on
pages 3-4, please fill-in your class choices. Only list each class choice once. Some classes will not be offered in all sessions and
class sizes are limited. Course content, class topics, instructors & schedule are subject to change, so it is imperative that you give
us 8 different choices for fair scheduling. Minors and accompanying adults must have the same list of classes and preferences.
Preference
Full Class Title
Preference
1st
5th
2nd
6th
3rd
7th
4th
8th
Full Class Title
Free T-shirt Size:
_____Small
____Medium
____Large
____X-Large
____2X
____3X
(If attending with a new participant or a group, indicate name(s):________________________________________________________________
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------I hereby acknowledge that there are inherent risks in participating in the Women In Nature (WIN) Outdoor Skills Workshop
and that I take full responsibility for all action or injury that may result to myself or my child participating in this program. I
agree that I will not bring claims against the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs and its members, the Women
In Nature program or its committee members, or the following clubs and organizations and their members: Pompey Rod &
Gun Club, Onondaga County Parks, or the instructors, operators, planners, volunteers, or sponsors of this workshop whether
such claims are known or unknown in the future.
I also give permission for images of myself and my child (if participating) to be used for the sole purpose of promoting Women
in Nature and the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs through publications, displays, its website and other
media, and waive any rights of compensation or ownership thereto. If signing for a minor, I also attest that I am the parent
or legal guardian of said child, listed on the top of this page, and said child is at least 12 years of age.
___________________________________________________________________________
Participant's signature (or Parent/Legal Guardian's signature if participant is under 18 years of age)
_____________________
Date signed
In Case of Emergency, Contact (name): ________________________________________________________________________
Phone #1 (include area code) (________)___________________________
Phone #2 (_________)______________________________
Any allergies/health concerns we should know about: ____________________________________________________________________________
Women in Nature
Outdoor Skills Workshop April 29, 2017
Print Name of Participant Here:
page 6
________________________________________
Women In Nature (WIN) Firearms Policy
1.)
You are NOT allowed to bring your own gun to the WIN Outdoor Skills Workshop. The appropriate firearm
will be provided by WIN instructors for your use during shooting classes or demonstrations.
2.)
You are NOT to bring your own ammunition to the WIN Outdoor Skills Workshop. Ammunition will be
provided at the WIN shooting classes or demonstrations.
3.)
Always follow the basic rules of gun safety and laws including, but not limited to:

Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.

The muzzle of the gun (the part that the bullets come out of) should always be pointed in a safe
direction.

The action of the firearm (where the shell or bullet goes into) should always be open until you are
ready to use it.

Eye and ear protection are required at all times on the shooting ranges. There are no exceptions.

Prescription glasses are acceptable; ear plugs and shooting glasses will be provided at the
workshop.
4.)
The WIN instructors have the right to refuse any participant if they are suspected to be under the influence
of drugs or alcohol or are not following other safety rules.
5.)
Youth shooting class or demonstration participants (under 18 years old) must be accompanied on the
shooting range and all workshop grounds by a parent or legal guardian or an adult over 21 years of age
designated by the minor child’s parent/legal guardian.
6.)
For Youth shooting class and demonstration participants, the accompanying adults must sign their own
Firearms Policy form as well as go over the content of this Firearms Policy with the minor child they are
accompanying.
7.)
Parents or legal guardians, whether or not attending, must read the content of this Firearms Policy with
their attending minor child, and sign the Firearms Policy AND Youth Permission to Handle and Shoot
Firearms (page 7) forms.
8.)
For any Firearms class participants between ages 12 and 17 years, please use the Youth Permission to
Handle and Shoot Firearms form (page 7).
WAIVER and AGREEMENT: I fully understand and agree to adhere to the above stated Women in Nature
firearms policy at the Women in Nature Outdoor Skills Workshop taking place on April 29, 2017 at the Camillus
Sportsmen’s Club located at 5801 Devoe Rd, Camillus, NY 13031
Signature of Adult ___________________________________________________________
Date Signed _____________________
Women in Nature
Outdoor Skills Workshop April 29, 2017
page 7
Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs
Women in Nature
Outdoor Skills Workshop
Youth Permission to Handle and Shoot Firearms
Any person between the age of 12 and 17 must have a parent’s or guardian’s permission and be accompanied onto
the shooting range by same person or adult over the age of 21 designated by said parent or legal guardian to
participate.
I, __________________________________________ , am the parent or legal guardian of _____________________________________________,
Print full name of parent or legal guardian
Print full name of minor child participating
whose date of birth is ______-_______-________ .
Day
Month
Year
I hereby give permission for him/her to possess a rifle, shotgun, or air-gun for the purpose of handling, loading,
and firing under the immediate supervision, guidance and instruction of the event firearms instructors at the
Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs Women in Nature Outdoor Skills Workshop, on April 29, 2017
located at the Camillus Sportsmen’s Club located at 5801 Devoe Rd, Camillus, NY 13031.
I have also brought this to the attention of said minor child and reviewed with the child the content of the Women
in Nature Firearms Policy on page 6 of this Registration Packet.
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature_______________________________________________
Date _______-_______-________
Telephone number (_______)-_________-_____________ (include area code)
Please print name of the Adult that will be accompanying your child:
________________________________________________________________
These release forms are for your safety as well as the rest of the participants. Thank you in advance for your
cooperation.
Women in Nature
Outdoor Skills Workshop April 29, 2017
page 8
Directions to
Camillus Sportsmen’s Club
5801 Devoe Rd,
Camillus, NY 13031
In Google Maps, paste in the address above or these numbers: 42.869937, -76.027703, to find the location of the club.
From Syracuse: Take the I-81 South to exit 23B, follow signs for Carousel Center Dr. Turn Right onto NY 298 W/Bear St.
Take the ramp on the Left to I-690 W to exit 6 for NY-695 toward Auburn/NY 5. Take the exit onto NY-5 W toward
Auburn. Take the exit toward Camillus Warners. Turn Right ONTO Newport Rd. Turn Right onto Devoe Rd.
.................................................................................................................................................................................................
From South of Syracuse: Take I-81 N to exit I-690 W toward Fairgrounds/Baldwinsville. Take exit 6 for NY-695 toward
Auburn/NY 5. Take the exit onto NY-5 W toward Auburn. Take the exit toward Camillus Warners. Turn Right ONTO
Newport Rd. Turn Right onto Devoe Rd.
…...............................................................................................................................................................................................
From the East: Take the I-90 W to exit 36. Take the I-81 South to exit 23B, follow signs for Carousel Center Dr. Turn Right
onto NY 298 W/Bear St. Take the ramp on the Left to I-690 W to exit 6 for NY-695 toward Auburn/NY 5. Take the exit
onto NY-5 W toward Auburn. Take the exit toward Camillus Warners. Turn Right ONTO Newport Rd. Turn Right onto
Devoe. Rd.
.…..........................................................................................................................................................................................
From the West: Take US-20 E/Auburn Rd. Turn left onto Turnpike Rd. Continue straight onto NY-5- E. Turn left onto Ike
Dixon Rd. Turn right onto Scenic Dr. Continue onto Devoe Red.